Guide to Eid in Dubai

Guide to Eid in Dubaihttp://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/guide-to-eid-in-dubai20150708T02003520150708T02003520161108T185435:636142280757722800Eid in Dubai

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the beginning of several days of celebrations. And there’s no better place to be during those celebrations than in Dubai. Here’s everything you need to know about Eid al-Fitr in this handy beginner’s guide.

A guide to Eid celebrations in Dubai

A Guide to Eid Celebrations in Dubai

The Holy Month of Ramadan is the most significant on the Islamic calendar, and is a special time of year to visit Dubai. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and brings several days of celebrations. Here’s everything you need to know about Eid:

What is Eid?

First off, there are actually two Eid holidays during the year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. A hugely important date in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr – translated from Arabic as ‘the festival of breaking the fast’ – is celebrated by Muslims all over the world as it marks the end of Ramadan and signals the beginning of Shawwal (the tenth month in the lunar Islamic calendar).

Eid al-Adha, which is often referred to as ‘the Greater Eid’, lasts for four days starting on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th and final month of the lunar Islamic calendar).

When is Eid?

Because Eid dates are dependent on the lunar cycles, the dates change every year in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Eid al-Fitr begins on 6 July. Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on 8 September this year.

What happens during Eid al-Fitr?

The normal schedule of activities during Eid follows a reasonably familiar pattern for most Muslims. The day usually starts with an early wake-up (around sunrise), followed by a quick breakfast before leaving the house to go and pray.

After morning prayers, many Muslims head to private residences with their friends and family to eat, drink, pray and reflect on the previous month of Ramadan. It is also customary during Eid al-Fitr to make a donation to the poor, exchange gifts – often with complete strangers – and, of course, to wish everyone one an “Eid Mubarak”, or “Blessed Eid” in English.

Why spend Eid in Dubai?

While most Muslims tend to spend most of the first day of Eid al-Fitr at home or at the home of friends or family, during the following two days, Dubai comes alive with the buzz of celebration as the city's residents – both Muslim and non-Muslim – go out and celebrate.

The malls are packed, cinema seats are scarce, taxis are hard to come by and restaurants boast long queues throughout the holiday. On top of that, there are fireworks displays, parades and traditional dance performances in all the major public spaces across Dubai.